Kingston, 21, made his initial court appearance Friday in St. George, the place prosecutors say a woman who was 20 years venerable at the time advised officers that Kingston assaulted her at her home last February. He was arrested following a yearlong investigation by which detectives amassed digital and forensic evidence and interviewed witnesses, Washington County Attorney Jerry Jaeger said.
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“I discovered by clear and convincing evidence that Mr. Kingston was a danger to the community,” Judge John Walton said for the duration of the hearing.
Tranquil, Walton allowed Kingston to be released Friday on a $100,000 bond with $10,000 cash immediately paid to the court after he was held initially without bail.
His defense attorney, Cara Tangaro, agreed that Kingston may have no contact with his accuser or any potential witnesses, must stay off social media and would wear a GPS ankle visual display unit to make certain he would not return to the southwestern Utah county, apart from for court appearances. He appeared earlier than the resolve by faraway video link from jail Friday.
If convicted, he may encourage 5 years to existence in prison.
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BYU spokesperson Jon McBride said the administration and coaches have been greatest made aware of the investigation and the allegations against Kingston after his arrest this week. He declined to answer whether or not Kingston was kicked out or left the faculty voluntarily.
Tangaro advised The Associated Press on Friday evening that she had not yet talked to BYU and may not remark about the case, per a court declare.
Kingston advised St. George Police that “all sexual activity” with the woman accusing him of rape was “consensual,” according to an affidavit unsealed Thursday. The woman advised investigators she had made clear to Kingston earlier than he came to her home that she did not want to have sex with him, and she advised him to discontinue several occasions when he initiated sex, the affidavit said.
BYU, the flagship university of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known widely as the Mormon church, has a strict honor code for students that prohibits all sexual relations outdoors of a marriage between a man and a woman. Of us that violate it can face suspension, and for athletes, many weeks using the bench.
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Other high athletes together with Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff have opted to leave BYU when faced with prolonged suspensions for violating the honor code.
Kingston was BYU’s leading receiver last season.
He is anticipated to make his next court appearance Feb. 25.
